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Kirsch and Fay Earn Preds November Hockey Recognition Awards

by
Staff Writer
/ Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators introduce the fourth season of a program to recognize players and volunteers in the Nashville area who demonstrate character skills that make youth hockey a better experience for all involved. The Nashville Predators will recognize a Youth Hockey Player and a Youth Hockey Volunteer each month during the 2009-10 regular hockey season.

During a ceremony held prior to the Nashville Predators’ November 21 home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Predators organization announced that William Kirsch and Barbara Fay were named Youth Hockey Player and Youth Hockey Volunteer of the Month, respectively, for November. Kirsch and Fay were presented with a plaque recognizing their efforts on behalf of the Predators during the ceremony. The two were nominated and selected as part of a Predators hockey development initiative that will regularly recognize a player and volunteer in the Nashville area.

Kirsch, November Player of the Month, is 8, and plays center for the Polar Bears Mite Division Red Team, that plays at A-Game Sportsplex in Franklin. The Franklin native took up the sport after receiving a plastic stick for Christmas when he was only two years old. As a passionate player, Kirsch’s desire to learn began when he saw a Drills and Skills DVD advertised on TV. He instantly asked his dad for a copy. Brian Kirsch reports that his son will sit and watch the DVD over and over as well as read his latest copy of USA Hockey magazine, the eight year old is a monthly subscriber. While playing competitive hockey for over four years Kirsch has become known as a very hard working and respectable player. One of Kirsch’s coaches commented that “William works very hard to implement any instruction he is given by his coaches. He will play any position at any time with a smile on his face. He always arrives early and works very hard.”

While the Nashville Predators are his favorite NHL team, Kirsch also closely watched other NHL games. Kirsch’s passion for playing as a young athlete is why the Nashville Predators have recognized William Kirsch as the November Youth Hockey Player!

The Nashville Predators are also proud to have named Barbara Fay as the November Youth Hockey Volunteer. Fay is coordinator for the Southern Flyers Girls team in Nashville that plays at Centennial Sportsplex. In addition Fay works as a representative to the NYHL board.

Fay has been involved in Nashville area girl’s hockey for the last eight years. While her role has changed, Fay has always stayed on the managerial and administrative side. Fay’s involvement started when her daughters became interested in the sport but the desire to give other girls the chance to play has kept her involved. “If there is not someone like me to help keep things organized as well as to help the league continue to play competitively there will not be this kind of opportunity for up and coming players,” Fay stated about her involvement.

This full time wife and mom’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaches, players and parents she works for. One parent had this to say about Fay’s work ethic, “She consistently gives of herself without any return. Her exemplary conduct and behavior is a roll model for all three of my children who all play hockey. They have learned through Barb’s efforts how important it is to give back.” For this and all the hard work Fay does, the Nashville Predators have recognized her as the November Youth Hockey Volunteer!

For more information on the Predators hockey recognition program, or to nominate a player, volunteer or team making a difference in a youth hockey community, visit Predators Hockey Recognition and nominate someone today!